Robert Saleh: Jets player vaccination rate is ‘above average’
Updated July 28, 12:15 p.m.
Robert Saleh said that 81 players on the Jets’ 90-man training camp roster are vaccinated, thus putting the team’s rate at 90 percent. Saleh added that the entire coaching staff is also vaccinated.
RT George Fant, who was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list on Tuesday, tested positive. He will have to quarantine for 10 days, per league protocols.
Robert Saleh didn’t say exactly how many Jets players are vaccinated against COVID-19, but he sounded happy with the team’s rate on Tuesday.
“I know we’re above-average,” he said on the first day of training camp. “I feel good about where we’re at.”
Saleh added that he wasn’t sure if all of his coaches were vaccinated, per ESPN’s Rich Cimini. Per NFLPA/NFL protocols, all coaches and other staff members in direct contact with players – named “Tier 1” staff – must be vaccinated against the virus, or their access will be revoked.
Players are not required to be vaccinated, but those that receive the shot will have much more lenient policies, including less testing, not having to wear masks in the team facility or during traveling, and no social distancing restrictions. Unvaccinated players won’t benefit from those loosened protocols, and teams could forfeit games and paychecks if an outbreak occurs among unvaccinated players.
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, 85 percent of players in the league received at least one shot, and 14 of the 32 teams had vaccination rates of more than 90 percent as of July 27. It’s unclear if the Jets are among those 14 teams after Saleh’s Tuesday comments.
The Jets placed tackle George Fant on the reserve/COVID-19 list later on Tuesday after intake testing. It’s unclear if Fant tested positive for the virus or if he is vaccinated.
A few Jets have posted photos about getting vaccinated or stated they’ve been vaccinated, including C.J. Mosley and Greg Van Roten.
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